Phantom of the Opera.

Like every other teenage girl in 2004, I was obsessed with the movie. It’s taken me 3 trips to Paris, but I finally went to the Paris Opera house to see what inspired Gaston Leroux.

The Palais Garnier was built in 1875 as the building for the Paris Opera. The Opéra Nationale de Paris uses the newer building, the Opéra Bastille, more frequently now. But the Palais Garnier is still in use (mostly for ballet), and still available for visiting. Basically, it’s one of the most gorgeous buildings I’ve ever seen. It is opulent and clearly built to put opera on a pedestal above other forms of art.

As Tipsy and I wandered around, I couldn’t help but pretend that I was Parisian, way back in the day, attending an opera here. I just can’t even imagine what it must have been like!

Palais Garnier has special pricing for people 16-25 (like most other places around Europe, but especially Paris). As a couple of women who are, sadly, aging out of that demographic, it was awesome to hear that this discount counts until you turn 26! So Tipsy and I happily handed over our ID to prove that we were not yet 26 and got in for cheaper! It may sound a bit stingy or penny-pinching, but always ask for student/senior discounts if you can!